Huawei is shaking up the budget tablet scene with two sleek new entries in its MatePad lineup: the MatePad Air 12 and MatePad 11.5 S. Both models come loaded with high-end specs, stylish designs, and the latest HarmonyOS 5, all while staying under the $500 mark.
MatePad Air 12: Big Screen, Big Power
The MatePad Air 12 boasts a stunning 12-inch IPS LCD display with a crisp 2800 × 1840 resolution and a buttery-smooth 144Hz refresh rate. For those who hate screen glare, Huawei offers a PaperMatte version with nano-etching that cuts light interference by up to 99%. The display also hits 1,000 nits peak brightness and supports the DCI-P3 color gamut for vivid visuals.
This tablet supports the M-Pencil Pro stylus, making it a solid pick for creatives and note-takers. Audio gets a boost too, thanks to a six-speaker setup. At just 5.9mm thick and weighing 555 grams, it’s built for portability.
While Huawei hasn’t revealed the chipset yet, the Air 12 packs 12GB RAM and offers 256GB or 512GB storage options. Camera specs include a 50MP rear shooter and an 8MP front camera — impressive for a tablet in this price range.
Powering it all is a 10,100 mAh battery with 66W fast charging. You’ll get Wi-Fi 7 support, but no cellular variant for now. Color choices include Cherry Blossom Pink, Grass Green, Feather Sand White, and Smoke Gray. Pricing starts at $417 for the 256GB model and $473 for the 512GB version.
MatePad 11.5 S: Compact Yet Capable
The MatePad 11.5 S features a slightly smaller 11.5-inch IPS LCD, but keeps the same 2800 × 1840 resolution and 144Hz refresh rate. It also supports the M-Pencil Pro, though it comes with a quad-speaker setup instead of six.
You can choose between 8GB or 12GB RAM, paired with 256GB or 512GB storage. The camera setup includes a 13MP rear sensor and an 8MP front-facing camera. Battery capacity is 8,800 mAh, with 40W fast charging.
Like the Air 12, Huawei hasn’t confirmed the chipset or cellular support. Color options include Field Green, Feather Sand Purple, Frost Silver, and Deep Space Gray. The base 8/128GB variant is priced at $348, while the top-tier 12/512GB model will cost $445.
Global availability is still under wraps, but if Huawei launches these tablets internationally, they could easily become the go-to choice for budget buyers who don’t want to compromise on features.